Rob: we must act over racism

Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew has called for rugby union chiefs to tackle the issue of racism.

The Falcons have lodged an official complaint with the Rugby Football Union making allegations of racial abuse by Gloucester's Olivier Azam against their Tongan forward Epi Taione during the Zurich Premiership match at Kingsholm last month.

Gloucester and Azam have both strongly denied the claims and an internal inquiry refuted the allegations.

Now Andrew has called for action from the RFU - and denied the unseemly row has damaged the reputation of the sport.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "I don't think it's bringing rugby into disrepute. I think it's an issue we have to deal with - for too long it's been brushed under the carpet. We have to deal with it."